MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
New Faces, Same Values
This July we started over again, just like we do every year, with a fresh new group of bright, hardworking (and probably a little anxious!) resident physicians and interns. In addition to their formal onboarding process that includes EPIC training and modules on handwashing, there is also an informal onboarding process going on that is even more important. This informal onboarding is the responsibility of everyone in the department: We need to welcome these new faces into our community and introduce them to our culture and values.
What are these values? I’ve spent a lot of time this year paying close attention to what people say and do, and what values they reflect. What I’ve learned is this.
1. We have a unique, inclusive community in this department. I see that every day. People genuinely care for each other here. And they help each other.
2 We put the patient first. We have a commitment to excellence: from scheduling, through protocoling, all the way to when patients and referring physicians receive their report. We are also committed to doing what is right – or as UVA President Jim Ryan says, “being both great and good.”
3. Radiology is a team sport, and we are all on the team. We treat each other with respect and recognize each individual’s value. Because we know that every single person plays a role in our success.
I’ve seen these values in the words and actions of both current and past members of UVA Radiology. It is clear that this great culture of excellence, care, and community has been in place for decades. The new residents and fellows are a great reminder to all of us – current and former members of the department – to pass these values along to the next generation. Thank you!
And speaking of transitions: I’m excited to welcome Keats Society President Jenni Pierce, MD. I’ll let her introduce herself on the next page; and I hope you can meet her in-person at our Alumni & Friends RSNA Reception on Tuesday, December 3.
All best,
Colin Derdeyn, MD Department Chair
Hello all! It’s an absolute pleasure to be serving as your Keats Society president. First, I’d like to give a big thank you to former Keats Society President AJ Pesch, MD. It’s through his time and effort (and in the case of the Homecoming picnic, his home!) that the society has been successful – both in supporting our trainees and in connecting the many generations of UVA Radiology.
A little background about me: My medical journey started when I attended the University of California Irvine College of Medicine. After 12 years with the US Navy, I came to UVA in 2013, and I’ve been here ever since! In addition to Keats Society president, I currently serve as division chief of Musculoskeletal Imaging and also the Director of the Global Health Leadership Program.
Recently I’ve been thinking about the eponymous Ted Keats, MD. Of course, Dr. Keats was an exceptional leader for our department and radiology as a whole. But I especially admire his commitment to the future: how he offered his expertise through teaching and established institutional resources in order to support the radiologists of tomorrow.
MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENT
It’s a great time for our department, and I’m excited for what the coming years have in store. I look forward to talking with you at the Alumni & Friends Reception at RSNA and other Keats Society events to come.
Best Wishes,
Jenni Pierce, MD Keats Society President
WELCOME HOME
On July 12, members of UVA Radiology convened to celebrate new trainees at the Annual Welcome Event.
The event is a yearly opportunity to socialize and relax. Attendees included new and current residents, fellows, and clinical instructors; faculty; staff; families; and some furry friends, too!
The backyard event featured a Mexican food truck, an ice cream cart, and live music courtesy of department members.
Recent Department Additions
New Faculty:
Natalie Cain-Wisdom, MD (Breast Imaging)
Anthony Higinbotham, MD (Neuroradiology)
Merry Mani, PhD (Research)
New Fellows and Clinical Instructors (star denotes former UVA Radiology resident):
Musculoskeletal Imaging
Cesar Alvarado, MD
John Choi, MD
Gustavo Monjardim, MD
Christopher Mallory, MD
Blase Prosperi, MD
Jerry So, MD
Neuroradiology
Thomas Brim, DO
Dionysios Koroukalis, MD*
Mohammad Mujlli, MBBS
Michael Nicksic, MD
Alaa Saleh, MBBS
Breast Imaging
Erin Aubrey, MD*
Ellen Faulk, MD*
Rabia Idrees, MD*
Cardiothoracic Imaging
Thomas Battey, MD*
Abdominal Imaging
Lance Flesch, MD*
William Flowers, MD*
Sukhi Grewal, MD*
Vamsi Meka, MD*
Christopher Sears, MD*
Hanin Shaqbou, MD
New Residents:
PGY-6
Kevin Bolger, MD (IR-Independent)
Nicole Dennis, MD (IR-Independent)
Seyedeh Shahrzad Azizaddini, MD (IR-Independent)
PGY-5
Adam Richardson, MD
PGY-2
Marissa Boettcher, MD
Warren Alex Campbell, IV, MD, PhD (IR-Integrated)
Maclean Cook, MD (IR-Integrated)
Qi (Phoebe) Dong, MD
Joshua Hunsaker, MD
Nathan Leaphart, MD (IR-Integrated)
Zachary Miller, MD, PhD
Anna Osment, MD
Jineet Patel, MD
Sasha Alexander Sytov, MD
Alexander Zhang, MD
Chief Residents
Interventional Radiology
(L-R): John Barrera, MD (PGY-5) and Vishnu Chandra, MD (PGY-6) Congratulations 2024-2025 Resident Leaders
Chief Residents Diagnostic Radiology
(L-R): Caroline Hubbard, MD (PGY-5) and Kristen Reeder, MD (PGY-4)
Information Technology Officers
Quality Assurance Officers
Sochima Anike, MD (PGY-4)
Vatsal Lal, MD (PGY-2)
Hannah Clode, MD (PGY-3)
Eric Fromke, MD (PGY-3)
Alumni Lecture
It’s official:
The Resident Class of 2025 has passed the ABR Core Exam! In July, they celebrated their completion of the boards with some much-deserved class bonding.
To the members of the Keats Society: Thank you! It’s through your support that the society can provide studying residents with fully-funded “Crack the Core” books and testing materials and also offer the annual “Breakfast After Boards” event after the test.
On August 29, former UVA Radiology resident and fellow Richard Rueb, MD returned to Charlottesville for a noon lecture. He and his colleague Josh W. McCain, MD, joined current residents to discuss the aspects of navigating jobs after training, including the pros and cons of academic and private practice, contract negotiation, and teleradiology.
The illuminating talk was part of the Alumni Lecture Series which is sponsored by the Keats Society. Thank you, Dr. Reub!
Alumni who are interested in delivering a resident lecture should email Karen Barden.
Faculty Highlights
In August, the Hyperpolarized Gas (HPG) Group of the department’s research division received two NIH-R01 awards totaling around $8 million. One of the projects (R01HL173369) will use Hyperpolarized Gas MRI to detect and manage acute cellular rejection, while the other (R01DA059660) will use Hyperpolarized Gas MRI as a novel biomarker to quantify pulmonary pathology in young healthy e-cigarette users.
The team includes John Mugler III, PhD; Y. Mike Shim, MD (Pulmonary Critical Care); Jaime Mata, PhD; G. Wilson Miller, PhD; Alan Ropp, MD, MS; and Nick Tustison, DSc.
The research division also finalized the installation and certification of two new Polarean Xenon-129 gas polarizers that were recently FDA-approved for clinical use. The equipment’s improved capabilities will further enhance UVA research by building off the success of the Hyperpolarized Gas Program.
The “Less Is More” initiative by Professor Juliana Bueno, MD has made its first mark on UVA Health through a revamped, shorter 2024 Annual Retraining. Dr. Bueno serves as one of UVA Health’s four culture leads, who work to enhance the professional lives of faculty and staff. Her goal is to reduce extraneous duties for care providers to increase employee satisfaction and fulfillment.
In June, Associate Professor Arun Krishnaraj, MD, MPH “graduated” as one of 32 team members in the first-ever cohort of the UVA Health Leadership Institute. Launched in 2023, the institute offers a leadership development program for employees within UVA Health. Dr. Krishnaraj worked with a capstone group on the topic of “One UVA Health” to explore teamwork and unity in healthcare.
Juliana Bueno, MD
Arun Krishnaraj, MD, MPH
Tegtmeyer Program Celebrates
Former Faculty Member’s IR Tech Program Paved the Way for the Future
In 1973, University of Virginia interventional radiologist and faculty member Charles J. Tegtmeyer, MD, had a vision for his field. Interventional radiology (IR) – the practice of using medical imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures – was evolving and expanding, and Dr. Tegtmeyer believed the discipline would see an increasing need for specialized team members. He established a first-of-its-kind program to train radiology technologists specifically in IR to meet that need.
On Saturday, August 3, over 100 graduates and their family members returned to Charlottesville to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this program, now named the Charles J. Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology. The celebrations, which included an afternoon picnic and evening reception, were attended by enthusiastic guests who showed a fondness for the program, their colleagues, and the past and present leaders.
The reunion also featured a presentation detailing the program’s history and accomplishments. Since its inception, the Tegtmeyer Program has trained 263 IR technologists. And while more than a third of the graduates remained at UVA for some or all of their career, those who wanted other opportunities were always in high demand after graduating from the esteemed program.
“Every year, I would get calls from past fellows, or institutions who knew our program, asking to hire our graduates,” shared Anita Bell, who served as program director from 1996 to 2007.
View Pictures
“The calls would start in January. The callers knew that our graduates didn’t finish until August.”
During the presentation, Bell recognized Lloyd Bittinger and Bucky Thacker, two technologists who were Dr. Tegtmeyer’s collaborators in planning and nurturing the novel program from scratch.
None of them could have predicted how much the program would change IR – not just at UVA, but on a national scale as well. The Tegtmeyer Program was initially the only one of its kind, but its success has since encouraged institutions across the country to replicate the program.
Celebrates 50th Year
“I am so happy to have been a pioneer in this field of medicine,” wrote Bucky Thacker in a message to the program graduates and staff members at the celebration. Thacker served as program director in 1973 during the program’s first year, and again from 1993 to 1994; today, he works at UVA’s Specialty Clinic in Augusta.
In 1996, Dr. Tegtmeyer passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57. He was an innovator in IR techniques and a leader for national radiological societies such as the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology. He was deeply committed to education: in addition to the Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology, he founded UVA’s IR Fellowship program and developed a radiographic anatomy course for first year medical students.
Former colleagues describe Dr. Tegtmeyer as a superb clinician, a charismatic teacher, and a trusted friend.
Dr. Tegtmeyer believed, above all, in putting the patient first – he was known to stay at the hospital overnight to monitor his patients’ care. Bell thinks that the programs founded by Dr. Tegtmeyer serve as a testament and continuation to his values that are upheld today by those who work in UVA IR.
“There is a cadre of people committed to carrying forth his legacy, approach to interventional radiology, and his memory,” said Bell.
OUR NEW FIRST-YEAR RESIDENTS
To help welcome our new residents, the Keats Society gifts each first-year resident with a custom jacket embroidered with their name. And because all the other residents have jackets as well, our new trainees fit right in!
Our R1s have all taken unique paths to end up together at UVA. Read on to learn more about each of them — we’re excited for this new class to be part of the department for their radiology residency.
Marissa Boettcher, MD
Medical University of South Carolina
Diagnostic Radiology
Hi! My name is Marissa Boettcher and I’m from upstate South Carolina. I went to undergrad at the University of South Carolina and medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina. I’ll be training in diagnostic radiology and originally applied to UVA because of their incredible reputation, but ranked them so highly because of how at home I felt talking with the faculty and residents on interview day. I’m excited to finally be in Charlottesville and can’t wait to explore the city with my husband and our pups!
Warren Campbell IV, MD, PhD
The Ohio State University College of Medicine IR-Integrated
My name is Warren Alexander Campbell IV, but I go by Alex! I am originally from Annapolis, Maryland, went to Gettysburg College for my BS degree, then did my MD and PhD in cellular and molecular neuroscience at THE Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Radiology was one of my interests throughout my medical career, and I really enjoyed my time in IR and was excited to join the Integrated IR residency here at UVA. Charlottesville is located very close to my (and my wife’s) extended network of friends and family, and we have already had so much fun exploring all the wonderful wineries, breweries, and restaurants the greater area has to offer. The sense of community here is strong and they make you feel right at home very quickly.
Maclean Cook, MD
University of Washington School of Medicine
IR-Integrated
Hello! I’m Mac and am from Bellingham, Washington. I went to the University of Washington for both undergraduate and medical school. The University of Virginia really stood out to me during my residency application season for both the quality of the interventional/diagnostic radiology program and Charlottesville being a great place to live. My wife and I have loved living here in Charlottesville with all the great wineries, restaurants, and hiking/ biking trails. I am in the integrated interventional radiology program and completed my surgical intern year here at UVA. In my free time I enjoy mountain biking, road cycling, rock climbing, and spending time with my wife.
Phoebe Dong, MD
University of New Mexico School of Medicine Diagnostic Radiology
Hello, I’m Phoebe. I grew up in China and went to UVA for undergrad where I met my husband. We spent many years in New Mexico (the Land of Enchantment) where I finished medical school and found our Australian shepherd. I missed the magnolia trees, fireflies, and changing fall colors in Charlottesville and am excited to be back to pursue my radiology residency.
OUR NEW FIRST-YEAR RESIDENTS
Joshua Hunsaker, MD
University of Utah School of Medicine Diagnostic Radiology
Hello everyone! My name is Josh Hunsaker and I’m originally from a small town in Wyoming called Star Valley. I went to Utah State University for undergrad where I also played basketball. After that, I went to the University of Utah for medical school. For residency, my wife and I knew we wanted a change of scenery. Charlottesville and UVA checked all of our boxes. UVA is a top-tier training program with tremendous alumni support and national recognition; Charlottesville offers just as many, if not more, outdoor activities than we had access to in Utah; and the food scene is unbelievable.
Outside of the hospital, my biggest passions are traveling and eating. My most recent major trip was to southeast Asia where I discovered my new favorite country of Singapore and their world-famous Hawker centers. I also love spending time outdoors with my wife Sophia and our 2 dogs, Marlo and Maggie.
Nathan Leaphart, MD
Medical University of South Carolina IR-Integrated
Hi! I’m Nathan Leaphart. I grew up in a small town called Gilbert, SC. I went to the University of South Carolina for undergrad and completed medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina. I pursued IR/DR residency at UVA for the top-tier education. An attending interventional radiologist at my medical school completed training at UVA and spoke highly of the program. Charlottesville’s proximity to the mountains, wonderful food scene, and expansive catalog of vineyards definitely doesn’t hurt either! My wife, Summer, and I are excited to be included in the UVA Radiology family and look forward to making Charlottesville our home.
Miller, MD, PhD
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Diagnostic Radiology
Hi! My name is Zach Miller. I am originally from Daytona Beach, Florida, went up to North Carolina (Duke) for undergrad, and completed an MD/ PhD in Wisconsin (UW-Madison). After completing the loop with a prelim year in Gainesville, FL, I made it up to Charlottesville. I chose UVA because it provides excellent clinical training and interdisciplinary research opportunities. My wife is also an assistant professor of social psychology here which made the choice even easier!
My goal is to become a physician scientist in radiology merging both clinical practice and research focused on transforming MRI into a robust, fast, and quantitative imaging modality. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son, running, tutoring, growing tropical plants, and trying to (slowly) learn more mathematics.
Anna Osment, MD
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Hey everyone! My name is Anna and I’m originally from Charlotte, NC. I went to Wake Forest for undergrad and worked as a scribe in an Emergency Department near Charlotte after graduating. I then went to UNC in Chapel Hill for medical school (go Heels)! I made my way to Charlottesville after couples-matching with my partner who is in UVA’s General Surgery program. We both fell in love with the people of UVA as well as Charlottesville itself during the residency interview season and second look visit. I was drawn to UVA’s balance of strong diagnostic radiology training in a supportive and collegial environment and I’m thankful to be a part of this program! In my free time I like to read, run, travel, and try new restaurants and wineries!
Zachary
OUR NEW FIRST-YEAR
Jineet Patel, MD
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Hey everyone, my name is Jineet! I moved around a lot as a kid before my parents decided to settle down in Cary, NC. I went to Cornell for undergrad and then MCV/VCU just down the road in Richmond for medical school. I then completed my transitional year in Blacksburg. I became familiar with Charlottesville during medical school having visited numerous times to take advantage of the wineries, food scene, and the surrounding nature. During the application/interview process, the excellent training, great location, and friendly culture and camaraderie really made UVA the perfect fit for me. I am very excited to be doing my residency at UVA and moving to Charlottesville!
Outside of work, I love to follow my favorite sports teams, try out new places to eat and socialize with friends, spend time with my fiancée, and travel. My two cats, who I adopted as kittens in medical school, also find a way to keep me busy!
Alexander (Sasha) Sytov, MD
University of Virginia School of Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Hey everyone, my name is Alexander (Sasha) Sytov and I’m from Baltimore, MD. I was lucky enough to get into UVA for med school and have loved Cville ever since. The gorgeous scenery, small-town energy, and kind-hearted people are really what drew me back to the area. In addition to hiking the various trails, I like to lift weights, play video games, watch anime, and spend time with my wife, who also works at UVA as a nurse. We’re both happy to be at UVA and are excited to spend another 4+ years in Charlottesville!
Alexander Zhang, MD
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Diagnostic Radiology
Hi! I’m Alex, originally from NYC. I’ve found myself traveling a lot the past few years from moving to Nashville for undergrad, to Roanoke for med school, and now to Cville for residency. While looking into DR programs, I was instantly drawn to UVA for its excellent training and was excited to check out the residency on an away rotation. While there, I was blown away by the supportive faculty, staff, residents, and resources available to help me become the physician I would want to be. I’m excited to call Cville home for the next few years and to go on this residency journey with my fellow co-residents!
